The new body will have a commercial mandate in public ownership Photo: Wikipedia

It is expected the move will be welcomed by businesses and industrial interests in the mid-west, who believe that independence from the DAA is in the best interests of the future viability of Shannon Airport.

Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar said it is a significant step in developing the aviation sector in Ireland and securing the future of Shannon Airport.

”It heralds a new era for the Shannon region. I firmly believe that this is the best way forward for both Shannon Airport, Shannon Development and the mid-west region.

”We want to recapture the pioneering spirit of the people who gave us the airport and the Shannon Free Zone concept, so that we can provide exciting and innovative opportunities which benefit business, tourism, and job creation in the region, and across the country.”

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation Richard Bruton said the announcement represents a new start for jobs and enterprise in the Shannon region.

”In developing our proposals, we were always focused on delivering the best possible…..